Which accessories and safety components are available?

The right add-on and safety parts that turn a screw jack into a complete and safe system solution.

A screw jack is rarely an isolated component. Only in combination with suitable accessories and matching safety components does it become a functional, safe and durable drive system that is optimally matched to the respective application. These components extend functionality and protect both the machine and operating personnel.

Important accessories for extended functionality and protection

• Bellows and spiral spring covers: Flexible protective covers for the lifting screw. In dusty, dirty or humid environments they are virtually indispensable for protecting the screw against abrasive particles and corrosion – and thus significantly increasing the service life of the screw drive.
• Motor adapters / motor flanges: Precisely manufactured flanges and adapter plates that enable simple, repeatable and accurately aligned mounting of standard IEC motors or servo motors on the screw jack.
• Spindle ends: The lifting screw can be supplied with different end configurations to simplify connection to the load. Common variants are threaded ends as well as clevis heads (GKA) or rod ends (GKD), which provide an articulated connection and compensate for small angular misalignments.
• Anti-rotation device: For the basic version with translating screw, an integrated anti-rotation device (e.g. keyway in the screw, square protection tube or positive mechanical guide) prevents the screw from turning when the load itself does not provide sufficient guidance.

Essential safety components

These components are used to monitor the system and protect against overload or uncontrolled movements.

• Limit switches: Mechanical or inductive switches mounted on the lifting system to limit travel at the end positions. They send a signal to the controller, switch off the motor and thus prevent mechanical collisions.
• Torque-limiting couplings (slip couplings): Safety couplings installed between motor and gearbox that limit or interrupt the power transmission in the event of overload or blockage. They reliably protect motor, gearbox and mechanics against mechanical destruction.
• Safety nuts: Redundant safety component, especially for ball screw drives in safety-critical applications (e.g. passenger handling or stage lifting). In normal operation, the safety nut has virtually no play; if the main nut wears or fails, the safety nut takes over and prevents the load from descending uncontrollably.
• Motor brake: Electromagnetic brake mounted directly on the motor. In non-self-locking systems – in particular with ball screw drives – it is absolutely essential to hold the load safely in position when de-energised and to prevent overrun or lowering.

Careful selection of accessories and safety components is an essential part of system design. It ensures that the screw jack system not only fulfils its function, but does so safely, reliably and in a way that is appropriate to the application over many years in real-world operation.